‘Absolutely disappointed’ Ratliff hints at friction between him and club

ARLINGTON – Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Jay Ratliff cryptically indicated Wednesday that there’s friction between him and the club regarding the medical issues that have plagued him since last season.

The Cowboys on Tuesday placed the four-time Pro Bowler on the physically unable to perform list, meaning he will be sidelined for at least the first six games. Ratliff last appeared in a game Nov. 18, when he injured his groin, a setback that led to season-ending surgery in December for a sports hernia.

After choosing to rehab on his own in the offseason rather than under the supervision of Dallas’ strength and conditioning staff at team headquarters in Irving, Ratliff hurt a hamstring during a conditioning test July 20 at the start of training camp. He didn’t practice in Oxnard, Calif., and is now in danger of missing the entire season.

“Absolutely I’m disappointed,” Ratliff said at the Cowboys’ annual kickoff luncheon at AT&T Stadium. “But everyone knew what the issue was way before hand. Everyone knew what it was since last year. I’m not going into much more details other than that…It’s for sure it’s not a hamstring tweak.”

Asked why he didn’t rehab with the team at Valley Ranch, Ratliff, 31, said, “Good question.”

Asked if he had an answer, Ratliff said, “I do, but I’d rather not say. Let’s just keep the focus on these guys going out there and playing and winning games. I’m not going to be here and be a distraction to anybody. I’m trying to just stay as professional as possible about the whole situation, but everyone that is involved knows what is going on.”

The brooding ninth-year pro, who rarely talks to the media, said he’s “absolutely disappointed” he isn’t eligible to play until Oct. 20, when the Cowboys play at Philadelphia. But he also is certain that he will return, an optimistic outlook shared by owner Jerry Jones.

“I think he could play tomorrow,” Jones said. “Not health-wise, just knowing what he needs to do (scheme-wise).”
Jones said it was a “combination of schedule, a combination of preference” that led Ratliff to stay away from Valley Ranch during the offseason.